Hero PC Saves Man From Deadly Blaze on Isle of Wight
On 29 September 2021, PC Jamie Lewis showed incredible bravery during a high-stakes rescue on the Isle of Wight. He was hunting for a missing man flagged as high-risk when things took a dangerous turn.
Desperate Man Sets Himself Ablaze in Car
Using a phone ping, officers zeroed in on Ventnor, where PC Lewis found the man inside his car. The man had stabbed himself in the neck and, in a terrifying moment, began dousing himself with petrol while still trapped in the vehicle.
Calm Cop Fights Fire with Courage and Quick Wit
Undeterred, PC Lewis carefully approached and tried to talk the man down, inching closer to the driver’s seat. When the man lunged to self-harm again, Lewis grabbed his hand and wrestled the knife away.
“The bloke needed help, he was in turmoil. We were concerned when he started pouring petrol over himself. It wasn’t an overly built-up area, but there were quite a few cars around and his car would have exploded,” said PC Lewis.
“It’s nice to be recognised for what we did that day.”
Police Praise PC Lewis’ Bravery
Hampshire Police Federation Chair Zoë Wakefield lauded the officer’s quick thinking and courage in a risky ordeal.
“Jamie’s calm actions and quick thinking saved this vulnerable man from further injuring himself. There was a real risk that he would set himself on fire, and it took enormous courage for Jamie to approach him and grab his weapon. I commend Jamie on his selfless actions. We are very proud of him.”
